Market Outlook

Following a strong recovery in office demand, reduced vacancies and growth in CBD Grade A office rents in 2021, the Singapore office market is expected to further pick up pace in 2022.

According to Cushman & Wakefield’s ‘Singapore Office Market Outlook 2022’ report, the projected economic growth of 3.6% in Singapore coupled with the positive economic outlook globally and regionally bode well for another robust office market this year, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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Pandemic restrictions and geopolitical worries did not hold back Asia Pacific real estate investors in 2021, which should mean that any further improvement will be greeted by more optimism.

The region’s real estate markets were remarkably resilient in 2021, with an estimated 30% rise in volumes compared with 2020, a record bounce back. Whether there are similar levels of activity ahead is dependent on how the pandemic develops and the response of policy makers.

Omicron has scared governments worldwide into clamping down on travel and trade, however markets have been less concerned about a variant that appears to cause milder symptoms. Higher vaccination rates (Asia is 50% fully vaccinated but some nations have more than 70% double-jabbed) and better treatments should encourage more countries to relax travel restrictions and ease social distancing.

There are reasons to be positive: Asia Pacific economies recovered lost GDP growth this year and will grow further in 2022, led by India (8.8%) and China (8.2%), although Hong Kong and Singapore forecasts (6.5% and 6.4% respectively) are also bullish. The weight of capital allocated to the region by private equity real estate funds suggests active deal making ahead. While a relatively benign inflationary environment suggests a modest interest rate rise.

Of course, there are risks, least of all around geopolitical tensions. The region’s economies are more integrated following recently negotiated trade agreements, and any tariffs changes or import restrictions will create a widespread negative impact.

If the same trends observed in 2021 persist then cross-border investors will remain focused on the larger, more liquid markets of Korea, Australia and Japan, while China’s investment levels, although high, will be driven by domestic buyers. For the international investor, Asia’s largest economy is beset by uncertainties over zero-Covid policies, debt bubbles and shifting government priorities. Hong Kong increasingly moves in sync with the Mainland. Singapore’s stability, however, should maintain its allure.

Industrial & logistics will continue to be the favoured sector, despite supply chain disruption. The sector has come to encompass a broader range of uses including manufacturing and storage, R&D, data centers, high-tech manufacturing, last mile delivery/urban logistics and temperature-controlled facilities.

Life sciences, flexible office space, senior housing and multifamily housing will remain popular. The prospects for the traditional offices, high end or tourism-related retail and hospitality are less certain. The pandemic, combined with advances in technology and changing habits, is causing investors to rethink strategies. Regional retail and hospitality rely heavily on cross-border tourism, particularly from mainland China, and without a resumption of travel it is difficult to see a way forward.

Older offices in core business districts face challenges from technology-enabled hybrid working. Meanwhile, younger generations expect a different experience from seasoned staff, with a greater emphasis on wellbeing, collaborative spaces and virtual communications.

Sustainable buildings are attracting investors, developers and occupiers, among a rising tide of regulation and a growing awareness of ESG. Net zero pathways and low energy buildings will become a priority over the coming years. Mounting evidence of a ‘green premium’ suggests a tangible shift is underway and investors don’t want to be left behind.

This article was originally published in https://www.savills.com

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The Market Outlook for 2022 looks at Hong Kong’s core sectors (office, industrial, retail, investment) and has forecast a measured yet steady market stabilisation in year of continued recovery, renewal and reset. The research explains we expect a moderate start to the year, with momentum gathering pace from the second quarter onwards. Prices and rents have reset to a more attractive level, and we see now as a good time for investors and occupiers to drive their real estate strategies to capitalise on growth opportunities.

This report was originally published in https://www.colliers.com/

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We are pleased to present our 2022 Global Public Real Estate Outlook Report!

This year, Hazelview celebrated its 10th anniversary investing in public REITs. And what a year it was, with publicly traded REITs rebounding strongly in 2021, experiencing a resurgence in demand, occupancy rates, pricing power and earnings growth. Navigating these evolving fundamentals required us to be flexible and committed to our investment process.

With our exceptional team of professionals based in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia providing Hazelview with the local eyes and ears to navigate these unprecedented market conditions, we begin our second decade where we finished our first, by looking for value that others have missed.

For those that received (and recall) our 2021 Outlook, we forecasted total returns of 15-20% for REITs in 2021. Outpacing this forecast, as well as most other industry segments, the REIT-opening in 2021 was in full swing. As for 2022, we believe the potential of sustained inflation will act as a tailwind for real estate valuations and coupled with strengthening fundamentals this will drive attractive earnings growth. Our target total return for global REITs in 2022 is 12-15%.

Segments we believe are exceptionally well positioned to outperform in 2022 include:

• Industrial Facilities in North America
• Data Centers in Asia
• U.S. Residential Sector 
• European Office REITs
• Cell Towers

We look forward to another exciting year, as we seek to deliver the strong risk-adjusted returns our clients have come expect. We hope you enjoy this report and that it inspires conversation. I look forward to connecting soon. 

See you in the new year, 

Corrado Russo
Head of Global Public Real Estate Investments

This article was originally published in  https://www.hazelview.com/

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